Colonial India & Backwater Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Delhi
1 stop
1
New Delhi
On arrival at Delhi airport assistance and transfer to hotel (hotel check in/ out time 1200hrs afternoon early check in subject to rooms availability). Rest time free and easy to relax nand personal activities. You can opt to go out for dinner with your driver.
Admission ticket free
Day 2
Delhi
3 stops
2
New Delhi
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Delhi. Visit landmark of Old Delhi which include Red Fort the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years until 1857. Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan. Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market a busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. Raj Gath the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
3
New Delhi
In New Delhi visit Humayun Tomb the first garden-tomb in Indian subcontinent and an early example of Mughal architecture commissioned by Humayun's first wife Empress Bega Begum in 1569-70. Qutab Minar a 73-metres tall minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex a fine examples of Afghan architecture. Lotus Temple a Baháʼí House of Worship notable for its flowerlike shape open to all, regardless of religion. Drive thrugh VVIP areas passing President House, Parliament & India Gate etc.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
4
New Delhi
Rest time free and easy to relax and personal activities.
Admission ticket free
Day 3
Delhi - Varanasi (flight)
3 stops
5
New Delhi
Breakfast at hotel transfer to airport to board flight for Varanasi.
4 minutes • Admission ticket free
6
Varanasi
On arrival in Varanasi assistance and transfer to hotel.
Admission ticket free
7
Ganga Aarti
Evening walking tour of Ghats’s temples & mosque on ghats. Also attend Holy Ganga Aarti, a magical aarti performed at Dasashwamedh Ghat at sunset. Halt your boat right at the steps for the best view.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Varanasi
4 stops
8
Dasaswamedh Ghat
Early morning boat ride & Ghat visit along the Ganges and catch the scene of devotees bathing and praying in the sacred water. Ghats in Varanasi are riverfront steps leading to the banks of the River Ganges. The city has 88 ghats. Most of the ghats are bathing and puja ceremony ghats, while two ghats are used exclusively as cremation sites. The ghats are frequented by the people which include early morning bathers, priests, people practicing meditation and yoga, students and tourists as well. Return to your hotel for breakfast then begin the city tour of Varanasi.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
9
Varanasi
Visit Banaras Hindu University founded in the year 1916, it has developed into one of the greatest centers of learning in India. Its campus is spread over 1300 acres. It has well maintained roads (crossing each other at right angle), extensive greenery, a temple, an airstrip and buildings, which are an architectural delight. Bharat Mata Temple built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 the Bharat Mata Temple is a model of undivided India. The most striking aspect of Bharat Mata Temple is that instead of gods and goddesses, the temple houses a relief map of undivided India, carved out of marble. Tulsi Manas Mandir one of the most famous temples in Varanasi, is made up of white marble and the beautiful garden adds to its attractiveness. The temple has beautiful images of Lord Rama, Mother Sita, Lakshman and Lord Hanuman. The walls of this temple are adorned with verses from Ramcharitmanas, the Hindi version of the epic Ramayana.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
10
Sarnath, it was here that Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining the Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. The great Dhamekh Stupa and several other structures stand testimony to the importance the place enjoyed at that time. The area is a treasure trove of archaeological findings such as Dharmrajika Stupa and Mulgandhkuti Vihar. The smooth glistening pillar established by Emperor Ashoka in 273-232 B.C. marks the foundation of the Buddhist Sangha, and the Lion Capital atop this pillar is now India's National Emblem.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
11
Ram Nagar Fort located on the eastern bank of River Ganga, a beautiful place to witness the sunset over the river. The fort is built in red sandstone. It houses a temple dedicated to Ved Vyasa, writer of Mahabharata, the great Indian epic. The Fort includes an eccentric museum boasting a royal collection of vintage cars, swords, palanquins, ivory works, an old weaponry section and an extremely unusual astrological clock.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Varanasi - Kolkata (flight)
2 stops
12
Varanasi
Breakfast at hotel transfer to airport to board flight for Kolkata.
Admission ticket free
13
Kolkata (Calcutta)
On arrival at Kolkata airport meet with our office executive assistance and transfer to hotel. Rest time free for personal activities relax.
Admission ticket free
Day 6
Kolkata
5 stops
14
Breakfast at hotel, full day city tour of Kolkata. Visit Fort William built during the early years of the Bengal Presidency of British India, Extends over an area of 70.9 hectares on the eastern banks of the River Hooghly one of most enduring Raj-era edifices.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
15
Victoria Memorial Hall
Victoria Memorial the immaculate white memorial bounded by verdant greenery and broad roads is dedicated to Queen Victoria. Inside the memorial there is a museum where you can see the dresses of the queen as well as different kinds of weapons used during that era.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
16
Netaji Bhawan a building maintained as a memorial and research center to the life of the Indian nationalist "Netaji" Subhas Chandra Bose. The house, built by Bose's father in 1909, is owned and managed by the Netaji Research Bureau and includes a museum, archives and library.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
17
Howrah Bridge
Howrah Bridge one of the most popular bridges of India also known as the gateway of Kolkata. Built on the river Hooghly it is one of the major Kolkata attractions and people from different part of the country come here especially to witness this amazingly structured bridge.
Admission ticket free
18
Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Dakshineswar Kali Temple one of the major pilgrimage center in the city that is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Located on the bank of River Hoogly, the temple compound maintains a large courtyard with rooms along the boundary walls, twelve shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, a bathing ghat on the river and a shrine dedicated to Rani Rashmoni.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 7
Kolkata - Chennai (flight)
3 stops
19
Kolkata (Calcutta)
Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for Chennai.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
20
On arrival at Chennai airport meet with our office executive assistance and transfer to hotel.
Admission ticket free
21
Later city tour of Chennai. Visit Fort St. George & Museum - located on the banks of Bay of Bengal. It was built by the British East India Company in 1640 AD. Semmozhi Poonga a beautifully landscaped botanical garden in Chennai which is set up by the horticulture department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Dakshina Chitra - a living-history museum, dedicated to South Indian heritage and culture. Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathy Temple - an 8th-century Hindu Vaishnavite temple dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. Evening to walk on Marina beach.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (235kms/ 5hrs approx)
4 stops
22
Breakfast at hotel drive to Pondicherry via visiting Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
23
In Kanchipuram visit Kailasanathar temple - 8th century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is noted for its architecture and sculptures. There are 58 small shrines situated around the main shrine as compound wall. Sandstone was used in the construction of this temple. Ekambareswarar temple - another ancient temple of the city dedicated to Siva. The 2500-year-old mango tree inside the temple has 4 branches each yields different varieties of mangoes. Varadharaja temple - dedicated to Lord Vishnu, noted for its wonderful sculptures. This is one of the 108 sacred Shri Vaishnavite temples. Vaikundhaperumal temple - dedicated to lord Vishnu, it is also one of the 108 Divyadesams. Kamakshiamman temple - dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi the presiding deity, one of the holy Sakthi worship places in India. It is closely associated with Sri Adi Sankaracharya.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
24
Visit Krishna's Butterball - a gigantic granite boulder resting on a short incline. Monolithic Temples - locally known as Rathas. They were executed by chiseling out the exterior face of the boulder. Work started from top to bottom. The pyramidal vimana with sikhara at the top is an important feature of this style. There a total number of 8 monolithic temples found in Mamallapuram. Shore Temple - built with blocks of granitein in 7th century during the rule of King Narsimha-Varman II Rajasimha the temple complex consisting of two Siva temples and a carving of Anantasayana Vishnu. The temple facing east is entered by a small gopura. It is one of the oldest structural stone temples of South India. As one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. Cave Temples - cut and decorated with panels in the Mamalla style of the Pallava period in the 7th century.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
25
Continue drive to Pondicherry check in at hotel. Evening to relax on the beach.
Admission ticket free
Day 9
Pondicherry - Chennai (160kms/ 2hrs approx)
3 stops
26
Breakfast at hotel, visit Aurovil - an experimental community in southern India. It was founded in 1968 by the spiritual leader Mirra Alfassa as a town where people from all over the world could live in harmony. Its focal point is the Matrimandir, a futuristic, spherical temple covered in gold discs. Auroville Botanical Gardens protects the region’s tropical dry evergreen forest. Auroville Beach is a long sandy stretch with gentle surf. Sri Aurobindo - established in 1926 by Shree Aurobindo and 'The Mother'. Together they explored the possibilities of yoga and meditation as a path to salvation. At the ashram, residents continue to practice their teachings. Pondicherry Museum - an art and history museum especially noted for its collection of fine lost wax bronzes form the period of the Chola Empire. The Museum's collection includes 81 Chola bronze sculptures, ranking as one of the largest collections of Chola bronzes.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
27
French Colony - Pondicherry has some of the finest examples of old French culture with a hint of Tamil influence in its visual aesthetics. In this tour, you will catch sight of some of the unique and old infrastructures. Observe and get inspired by the architectural beauty of the French part of the town while enjoying a cup of coffee and some deserts along the way. As part of the package, customise your walk with your guide to cover the visit of French consulate, French Institute, Raj Nivas, Bharati Park (Aayi Monument), Government Square, Beaches, Monuments, Churches, French schools.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
28
Afternoon drive to Chennai check in at hotel.
Admission ticket free
Day 10
Chennai - Cochin (flight)
4 stops
29
Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for Cochin.
Admission ticket free
30
Kochi (Cochin)
Laler half day city tour of Cochin that has managed to preserve the remnants of its colonial past with utmost care. Explore the Fort Kochi & smell the seawater and fish, hung over nets and locals on the beach. Visit the church of St Francis, the oldest European church in India, then walk to the town’s waterfront site of the iconic Chinese fishing nets and the many fish stalls. Later visit Mattancherry Palace, which was built by the Portuguese in 1557 as a gift to the Raja of Kochi, and the town’s fine synagogue. The area here is also known for its many antique and souvenir shops. End the day with a mesmeric sunset cruise around the bustling harbour.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
31
Kochi (Cochin)
On arrival at assistance and transfer to hotel.
Admission ticket free
32
Kochi (Cochin)
Later half day city tour of Cochin that has managed to preserve the remnants of its colonial past with utmost care. Explore the Fort Kochi & smell the seawater and fish, hung over nets and locals on the beach. Visit the church of St Francis, the oldest European church in India, then walk to the town’s waterfront site of the iconic Chinese fishing nets and the many fish stalls. Later visit Mattancherry Palace, which was built by the Portuguese in 1557 as a gift to the Raja of Kochi, and the town’s fine synagogue. The area here is also known for its many antique and souvenir shops. End the day with a mesmeric sunset cruise around the bustling harbour.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 11
Cochin - Alleppey (60Kms/ 1.3hrs approx)
1 stop
33
Alleppey Backwaters
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to Alleppey boat jetty to board houseboat and sail through the tropical countryside enchanting backwaters. While sailing enjoy palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals, the panoramic sights one can never forget. The Chinese fishing nets the reminiscent of our past trade links are also found on the way. Flocks of duck swimming around the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky remains as enduring pictures reflecting the charm of this tourist land, you also enjoy fishing from the houseboats, evening enjoy sunset from the sun-deck of the houseboats. The Houseboats have generated electricity, sitting cum dining area, separate bedroom with attached English toilets, sun deck and fully loaded kitchen with a Chef, and Driver. Lunch, Dinner and overnight in houseboat.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 12
Alleppey - Cochin - Mumbai (flight)
2 stops
34
Kochi (Cochin)
After breakfast disembark from houseboat and drive to Cochin airport to board flight for Mumbai.
Admission ticket free
35
On arrival assistance and transfer to hotel. Rest time free for personal activities relax, you can take a walk to have a glance of the city, visiting local markets and restaurants.
Admission ticket free
Day 13
Mumbai
1 stop
36
Breakfast at hotel. Drive through Marine Drive one of the most beautifully laid boulevards in the city. Parliament House, the Maharashtra State Assembly (view from outside), Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), formerly Victoria Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (view from outside). Visit Dhobhi Ghat to see the city's famous open-air laundry in action, Prince of Wales Museum (Monday closed), a heritage museum comprises of a number of ancient artifacts, Mani Bhawan, also known as Gandhi Museum, here Gandhi laid the foundation for many independence movements. Mount Mary Church, an ancient church, built in 1640 and then rebuilt in 1761, The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount is also an important religious place in Mumbai. In the evening, visit Iskcon Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, the architectural splendour of the ISKCON Temple is adorned with murals and sculptures.
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 14
Mumbai - Departure (flight)
1 stop
37
Breakfast at hotel as per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.
Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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